What is diclofenac used for?

Diclofenac is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by stopping the body’s production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation. It comes in multiple forms, such as:

• oral capsules
• oral tablets
• extended-release tablets (“extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.)
• delayed-release tablets (“delayed release” means the drug is released into your body after it passes through your stomach.)
• oral solution
• topical gel (comes in OTC strength and prescription strength)
• topical solution

Doctors prescribe diclofenac to treat mild to moderate pain that certain conditions cause, including:

• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis 
• ankylosing spondylitis
• painful menstrual periods
• migraine headaches
• actinic keratosis

Diclofenac is a generic medication. But different forms come as different brand-name medications like Zipsor, Cataflam, Cambia, and Voltaren.

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Mild to moderate pain

Healthcare professionals can use diclofenac potassium oral capsules and tablets to treat mild to moderate pain in adults and children ages 12 years and older.

The dosage for diclofenac potassium oral capsules is typically 25 milligrams (mg) taken four times per day.

The dosage for diclofenac potassium oral tablets is typically 50 mg, taken three times per day. However, depending on how your body responds to the drug, some doctors may prescribe an initial dose of 100 mg followed by 50 mg doses.

Arthritis

You may use several forms of diclofenac to help relieve symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These include:

• Diclofenac potassium oral tablet:
  • Osteoarthritis: The recommended dosage is 100 to 150 mg per day, taken in divided doses. You will take 50 mg two or three times per day, or you will take 75 mg two times per day.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: The recommended dosage is 150 to 200 mg per day, taken in divided doses. Typically, you will take 50 mg three or four times per day.
• Diclofenac sodium extended-release tablets (Voltaren XR):
  • Osteoarthritis: The recommended dosage is 100 mg per day, taken daily.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: The recommended dosage is 100 mg per day, taken daily. If 100 mg per day does not provide enough pain relief, your doctor may increase your dose to 100 mg taken twice per day. But they will have to weigh the benefits and risks with you before making this decision.
• Diclofenac sodium delayed-release tablets:
  • Osteoarthritis: The recommended dosage is 100 to 150 mg per day, taken in divided doses. You will take 50 mg two or three times per day, or you will take 75 mg two times per day.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: The recommended dosage is 150 to 200 mg per day, taken in divided doses. You will take 50 mg three or four times per day, or you will take 75 mg two times per day.
• Diclofenac sodium topical solution: Doctors typically prescribe this form of diclofenac for osteoarthritis of the knee. You will typically use 40 mg (two pumps) of diclofenac sodium topical solution on each knee (where the pain is) two times per day.
• OTC diclofenac sodium gel 1% (Voltaren gel): You may use this OTC form of diclofenac to help relieve arthritis pain in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, and knees. You should not use it anywhere else on your body. You will typically apply the gel to the painful areas up to four times per day.

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. You may use diclofenac sodium delayed-release tablets to help relieve symptoms such as inflammation, pain, and stiffness caused by ankylosing spondylitis.

The recommended dosage is 100 to 125 mg per day, taken in divided doses. You will typically take 25 mg four times per day, with an extra 25 mg dose at bedtime if necessary.

Painful menstrual periods

In certain cases, doctors may recommend diclofenac potassium oral tablets to help relieve the pain from menstrual cramping. They will typically prescribe diclofenac when other OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen have not provided sufficient relief.

The recommended dosage is typically 50 mg taken three times per day. However, depending on how your body responds to the drug, some doctors may prescribe an initial dose of 100 mg followed by 50 mg doses.

Migraine headaches

Diclofenac potassium oral solution, sold under the brand name Cambia, is used to treat migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. You should not use it to treat other types of headaches.

The dosage of diclofenac potassium oral solution for migraine is typically one 50 mg packet mixed with 1 to 2 ounces (or 30 to 60 milliliters) of water. You should mix the packet thoroughly with the water and drink it immediately. This form of diclofenac works best when you take it without food on an empty stomach.

Actinic keratosis

Doctors may prescribe diclofenac sodium gel (3%) to help treat a skin condition called actinic keratosis. This condition is caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. If left untreated, this condition may progress into a type of skin cancer.

Diclofenac sodium gel helps reduce skin inflammation and promotes the death of unusual skin cells. You should apply it to actinic keratosis lesions twice per day. Make sure to use it enough to cover each lesion. You will typically apply it for 60 to 90 days. It may take up to 30 days after finishing your treatment to see the full effects of the drug.

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Summary

Diclofenac is an NSAID that helps relieve mild to moderate pain. It comes in various forms, and different forms are used to treat pain caused by different conditions. It’s important to remember that the dosages for different forms of diclofenac are not interchangeable. The body processes each form in a different way.

Before prescribing diclofenac to help with your pain, your doctor will carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of this treatment versus other treatments. If diclofenac is the best option for you, your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time.